Treatment of Headache

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Each headache is treated in accordance with its particular type and cause. Sometimes headache can be treated by purgation or inducing vomiting, and sometimes it can be treated by simple rest, quietness, and calm. Other types are treated by compression with a headband, or by applying cold pads or sometimes even hot pads, or by avoiding noxious noises or strenuous exercise.

Once the medical causes of headache is properly diagnosed, one may understand that the treatment used by God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم, as cited in the above prophetic tradition of applying henna to the scalp, was a partial or limited remedy for headache. This treatment is particularly functional in an extremely hot climate, such as that of the Arabian peninsula, for example. Hence, when headache is not caused by a harmful matter that requires purgation, then applying a decoction of henna to the surface of the scalp may be beneficial. In treating headache, henna also can be applied as poultice by grinding it and mixing its powder with vinegar. This will quell the pain and calm the nerves. The benefits of such application are not limited to the treatment of headache and is helpful for almost any pain of the limbs and will effect muscle tautness. Using henna poultices as a bandage around an area swollen from heat or from inflamed body tissue will soothe the inflamed area. It is reported in sahïh Bukhari and in the traditions of Abu-Dãwoud that whenever someone complained to God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم about headache, he prescribed cupping, and whenever someone complained to him about foot pain, he prescribed tinging his feet in henna. Imam al-Tirmithi narrated in his sahïh that salma Um Rãfi’ said: “Whenever God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم complained of a sore or headache, he applied henna to it.”